Quick Answer
Krispy Kreme donuts can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days if stored properly in an airtight container. The cold environment helps preserve the donuts by slowing down the starch retrogradation process. However, chilling will cause some loss of texture and flavor. Bring donuts to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
Can You Refrigerate Krispy Kreme Donuts?
Yes, refrigerating Krispy Kreme donuts is safe and will extend their shelf life. The low temperature of the refrigerator slows down chemical reactions and mold growth that cause donuts to go stale quickly at room temperature.
Properly stored in an airtight container, Krispy Kreme donuts will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days past the “Best By” date printed on the box.
Benefits of Refrigerating Donuts
There are several advantages to storing Krispy Kreme donuts in the refrigerator:
- Slows staling – The cold environment retards starch retrogradation, which is the process that causes donuts to firm up and go stale.
- Prevents mold – Refrigeration inhibits mold growth by slowing moisture migration and microbial action.
- Maintains texture – Keeping donuts chilled minimizes crumbs and helps preserve the soft, smooth interior.
- Retains moisture – The fridge prevents donuts from drying out quickly.
- Extends shelf life – Proper refrigeration can double or triple the shelf life of Krispy Kremes.
By keeping your donuts in the fridge, you can enjoy their signature taste and texture for longer.
How to Store Krispy Kreme Donuts in the Fridge
Follow these tips for storing Krispy Kreme donuts in the refrigerator:
- Leave donuts in their original packaging or place in an airtight container. This prevents them from absorbing fridge odors and drying out.
- Ensure no part of the donuts touches the sides or top of the container, as this can crush them.
- Seal the container tightly. Any airflow promotes starch retrogradation and moisture loss.
- Place container on a fridge shelf rather than in the door, which gets opened frequently.
- Refrigerate donuts as soon as possible after purchasing.
- Avoid overcrowding the container, which hastens staling.
Proper refrigeration extends shelf life while maintaining the taste and texture of Krispy Kreme’s signature donuts.
How Long Do Krispy Kreme Donuts Last in the Fridge?
With proper storage, Krispy Kreme donuts will remain fresh in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days past the printed “Best By” date on the box.
The donuts may last a few days longer, but their quality declines over time in the fridge. After 5-7 days, you can expect:
- Increased firmness as moisture migrates out of the donuts.
- Loss of the signature Krispy Kreme taste and texture.
- Increased risk of mold growth.
- Donuts drying out, becoming crunchy.
For best results, try to eat refrigerated Krispy Kremes within 5 days. Discard any donuts that become hard, dry, moldy, or smell odd.
Do Krispy Kreme Donuts Stay Fresh Longer at Room Temperature?
No, Krispy Kreme donuts will go stale much faster if left out at room temperature compared to being refrigerated.
Donuts left out on the counter become firm and dry within 1-2 days as moisture evaporates. Mold growth and bacterial action accelerate.
Refrigeration is the best way to maximize the shelf life and preserve the signature taste and texture of Krispy Kreme donuts.
Do Krispy Kreme Donuts Lose Their Taste in the Fridge?
Krispy Kreme donuts can lose some taste and texture quality when refrigerated, but not as quickly as leaving them out at room temperature.
When stored in the fridge, a couple of things happen:
- Sugar crystallization – Some of the sugar glaze becomes crystalline, resulting in a grainy texture.
- Retrogradation – The starch chains realign and recrystallize, causing firmness.
- Moisture migration – Moisture slowly moves out of the donuts, making them dry.
- Oil absorption – The colder-solidifying oil soaks into the donut, making it dense.
- Fridge odors – Absorption of smells from the refrigerator.
These effects increase the longer the donuts are refrigerated. Within 2-3 days, you’ll notice a slight difference in the taste and texture.
Bring donuts to room temperature before eating to improve their taste and softness after refrigeration. This reverses some of the crystallization and retrogradation.
Overall, any taste and texture changes from refrigerating Krispy Kremes are minor compared to how quickly they go stale at room temp.
How to Restore Krispy Kreme Donuts after Refrigerating
You can restore the taste and texture of Krispy Kreme donuts after refrigerating them with these tips:
Let Donuts Come to Room Temperature
Leave refrigerated donuts out at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving. This allows the oil to soften and reverses some starch retrogradation. It returns some of the signature melt-in-your-mouth Krispy Kreme texture.
Heat in the Microwave
Heat donuts in the microwave for 5-10 seconds to reverse starch crystallization. This helps soften them after refrigeration. Be careful not to overheat them.
Use a Toaster Oven
Warm refrigerated donuts in a toaster oven at 300°F for 1-2 minutes. This melts the oils and starches for a soft, fresh texture. Avoid toasting too long or they’ll dry out.
Glaze Again
Brush refrigerated donuts with a simple glaze – 1 cup powdered sugar plus 1-2 tablespoons milk. New glaze coverage improves the taste of chilled donuts.
Keep Donuts in an Airtight Container
Storing Krispy Kremes in a sealed container minimizes moisture loss, odor absorption, and glaze crystallization in the fridge.
With a little TLC, you can enjoy the great taste of refrigerated Krispy Kreme donuts. Proper storage maximizes their shelf life too.
Can You Freeze Krispy Kreme Donuts?
Yes, Krispy Kreme donuts can be frozen to extend their shelf life even longer than refrigerating.
Properly frozen, Krispy Kreme donuts can last 2-3 months in the freezer while maintaining their signature light and fluffy texture when thawed.
Here are some tips for freezing Krispy Kreme donuts:
- Seal donuts in freezer bags or airtight containers.
- Squeeze out excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Lay donuts flat in a single layer to preserve shape.
- Avoid overcrowding the container.
- Freeze within 1-2 days of purchasing.
- Store at 0°F or below for best quality.
- Thaw at room temperature 1-2 hours before serving.
With proper freezing technique, Krispy Kreme donuts will keep for a few months in the freezer.
Tips for Freezing Glazed Donuts
Here are some additional tips for freezing glazed donuts like Krispy Kremes:
- Add wax or parchment paper between layers when freezing multiple donuts together.
- Stack glazed donuts with wax paper in an airtight rigid container.
- Avoid freezing more than 3-4 glazed donuts together or they’ll stick.
- When ready to serve, thaw donuts completely at room temperature.
- Brush with shortening or oil to restore shine and moisture to the glaze.
- Thawed glazed donuts are best consumed within 12 hours.
With a few added precautions, glazed donuts freeze wonderfully for long-term storage.
Troubleshooting Refrigerating Krispy Kreme Donuts
Refrigerating Krispy Kreme donuts comes with some potential pitfalls. Here’s how to troubleshoot common issues:
Problem: Donuts become hard and dry
- Solution: Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
- Solution: Don’t overcrowd the storage container.
- Solution: Refresh with glaze and microwave briefly before serving.
Problem: Donuts lose signature light and fluffy texture
- Solution: Bring donuts to room temperature before eating.
- Solution: Microwave briefly to resoften the oils and starch.
- Solution: Avoid storing donuts in the fridge over 5 days.
Problem: Donuts absorb refrigerator odors
- Solution: Store in an airtight container to prevent odor transfer.
- Solution: Use a plastic container instead of plastic bags.
- Solution: Place baking soda inside the storage container.
Problem: Donuts become hard and crunchy
- Solution: Don’t store donuts near the cold fridge vents.
- Solution: Keep donuts in the main fridge area rather than the door.
- Solution: Wrap the container in an insulating material like foil.
With proper refrigeration and storage, you can enjoy Krispy Kreme donuts fresh from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you refrigerate Krispy Kreme donuts after glazing?
Yes, it’s safe to refrigerate Krispy Kreme donuts after adding glaze or toppings at home. Refrigeration prevents the custom glaze from drying out quickly. Store glazed donuts in an airtight container and use within 2-3 days for best quality.
Should Krispy Kreme donuts be refrigerated or frozen?
For short term storage under 5 days, refrigeration is best to extend the shelf life of Krispy Kreme donuts. For long term storage of 2-3 months, freeze donuts instead. Always thaw frozen donuts completely at room temp before eating.
How long do glazed donuts last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, glazed donuts like Krispy Kreme will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator before quality declines. Refrigerate glazed donuts immediately after glazing for maximum shelf life.
How can you tell if Krispy Kreme donuts have gone bad?
Signs that Krispy Kreme donuts have expired include mold growth, a hard or crunchy texture, visible drying, and an off smell or taste. Discard donuts immediately if they show any decay. Consume refrigerated donuts within 5 days.
Should you freeze Krispy Kreme donuts before or after glazing?
It’s best to freeze Krispy Kreme donuts before glazing them. The unglazed donuts freeze solidly in uniform shapes. Glaze added after thawing for a fresh taste. If freezing glazed donuts, wrap individually in wax paper.
Conclusion
Krispy Kreme donuts can be kept in the fridge for 5-7 days past the printed date if stored properly in an airtight container. Refrigeration maintains donut taste, texture, and moisture compared to room temperature. Allow chilled donuts to come to room temp before serving for up to an hour. Re-glaze or microwave briefly if needed to restore texture. With proper freezing technique, Krispy Kremes will keep for 2-3 months.
